Sarah Palin's Baby Names - Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig - Nancy's Baby Names The Daily Show recently touched on the name issue in a segment called Sarah Palin is Real . Rob Riggle: I’ve got, like, 20 kids: Slag, Truck, Quandary, Glump, Chug, Turnip, Rockhammer… Jon Stewart: Wait, Rob, you have a son named Rockhammer? Rob Riggle: Daughter, Jon. Daughter. This part of the dialogue starts at 1:29. Jennifer says: September 8, 2008 at 11:45 am I never, ever, ever thought I would like that genre of name. But I have to say, they have real substance to them. They’re evocative of places and ideas important to their parents in Alaska– and they have that “spirit of the frontier” sound to me. I don’t live there, but I think the people of Alaska could be reassured that their governor really does care for them, really is one of them, through these names. Of all, Track seems to be the most random, but the others are well thought-out.

They fit the spirit of Alaska, but the names obviously weren’t meant for the national stage. kirk says: September 8, 2008 at 9:29 pm Trig is probably closely related to the Norse word-root trygg which means loyal, secure or firm. The Indo-European root deru (tru) was with a u-sound that became a y-sound with mutation (umlaut) in the Nordic languages sometimes before the Viking ages (I had to learn this in collage). A later mutation is that Y-sound became I-sound In Icelandic and Norwegian (not Swedish) in the middle ages which has not been adapted in the spelling of the words. Then most English adapted Nordic words with Y are respelled with an I. A male name based on this root is common in some Nordic countries is:Tryggvi no:Tryggve but it is maybe most common as a dogâ€™s name, no. trygg or is. tryggur (old: tryggr) meaning faithful. (If Americans were not so trigger happy, I would say that Roy Rogerâ€™s horse Trigger could fit nicely into this collection).

In Icelandic, this root trygg- or tru- is in a myriad of concatenated words. I would guess that the English word trust is of the same root. You should be able to find related German words by replacing the I with a U o Mrs. Sarah Palinâ€™s explanation of the meaning of TRIG is therefore close in true in English as truthful or loyal but I canâ€™t see an immediate relation to the meaning strength without stretching the meaning too far from its old-Norse origin and I fail to see any relation to brave victory. That’s right — there’s now a Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator . My name would have been Comma Liberty. My husband would have been Lean Pipe. Other family members would have included Stockyard Mudslide, Bash Budweiser, Rot Pipeline and Bush Gator. (Hat tip to Nancy Friedman !) Zach says: September 19, 2008 at 10:45 pm I agree with Jennifer that an Alaskan mentality may be at work here. I have not set foot in the State of AIaska, but from my perspective a good percentage of Alaskans must march to the tune of a different drummer.

I personally think it takes a special type of person to live in Alaska. The state has a lot of climates from rainy Juneau to super cold Fairbanks, but the overall climatic conditions are harsh and pretty extreme. Then too, a certain percentage of people are always goingto be a bit eccentric, and there’s no doubt about it that these specific childrens’ name spell eccentricity. I’m of the opinion that these unusual names are very telling and revealing as to what makes this couple tick. Jennifer says: October 17, 2008 at 12:25 pm I love Sarah Palin and I think the name’s of her 5 children are awesome! I really enjoy hearing new names. Why keep naming your kids all the same names over over over….William, Josh, Chris, Matt etc. are getting OLD!!! Who wants to have the same name has 50 million other people???? I know I don’t! That’s why I am going to name my children different and unusual names! McCain / Palin 2008!!!! Mac says: October 21, 2008 at 1:24 pm You usually name your children based on your religion.

Matt, Luke, John, Peter, James this isnt because they are “normal” names, its because they are Apostles. Sorry that is “getting old” for you. you should name your kids, microwave, semiconductor, laser, HighDef. those names would rock it hard. Thats “why 50 million other people” have the same name, Jennifer = GUINEVERE = Old French form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which is composed of the elements gwen meaning “fair, white” and hwyfar meaning “smooth”. In Arthurian legend she was the beautiful wife of King Arthur who engaged in an adulterous affair with Sir Lancelot. Her betrayal of her husband with Mordred prompted the battle of Camlann, which led to the deaths of both Mordred and Arthur. The Cornish form of this name, Jennifer, has become popular in the English-speaking world. Willow = From the name of the tree, which is ultimately derived from Old English welig. Willow is much better then Jennifer, right? Summer says: October 28, 2008 at 5:38 pm There’s a lot of interesting thought here.

While I AM a religious person, I don’t necessarily want to give my children ‘normal’ first names. My oldest daughter is Montana Faith and my youngest in Piper Grace. Palin obviously thought about the names she eventually used and had meaning to them, that’s the important part. Andrew can be just as meaningful as Bristol if there was a special reason for using it. She chose something important to her, so its not to you. Oh well, too bad for you. Just don’t name your own child that then. Aisling says: I like them! Piper maybe not so much, but I really like Willow! Jennifer says: June 1, 2009 at 2:31 pm Hahahahhaha having lived my entire life as one of three or four Jennifers wherever I went… I would much rather have been named Willow! When a parent goes with a “popular” or “trendy” name they are basically saying they are not creative enough to think outside the box. No offense to all the other Jennifers out there, but I wish my parents had thought harder!

jane trent says: December 21, 2009 at 10:16 pm Who cares what Palin named her children? That’s a private, personal decision that every parent has the right to name their kids how they believe. For example, many African-American parents give their kids names like Shalondranika, Tyronishelle, Orendal, Saffronialashika, Bendrossaquintessa, Oprah, etc. It is a well established tradition that some African-American parents choose unique and unusual names for their children. So why can’t Sarah Palin choose exotic unconventional names for her kids? What about Hollywood movie stars like Bruce Willis/Demi Moore who named their kids Rumer and Scout for girls names? Gwenyth Paltrow named her child Apple. Frank Zappa named his child Moon Unit and Dweezil. Hollywood celebrities give their kids wierd names and nobody says anything – black parents give their kids exotic, unusual names and nobody cares – so Sarah Palin can name her kids whatever she wants.

Brittany says: December 26, 2009 at 11:10 pm to the above poster… I am African American and I have NEVER heard anyone named Shalondranika, Tyronishelle, Orendal, Saffronialashika, Bendrossaquintessa… that was a little uncalled for…I get your point but there was no need to go that extreme. And as for Oprah-her mother named her Orpah (from the Bible) and it was written incorrecly on her birth certificate. Maybe you need to get to know more black people and get out of your bubble! jordan richardson says: I love the names you picked they are really wonderful!!!! I think that my favorite is piper. The name sounds really cool and down to earth. They all seems like wonderful names!! I hope to name my daughter after piper! Freddy Savage says: Todd Palin biography | birthday, trivia | American Political Relative | Who2 Political Relative Known to Alaskans as the “First Dude,” Todd Palin is the husband of Alaska’s former governor, Sarah Palin . The Palins met as teens at Wasilla (Alaska) High School, where both played basketball.

They eloped in 1988, after Sarah returned from college. The next year Todd began working for the oil company BP, eventually becoming a manager in the company’s oil fields on Alaska’s North Slope. He has also worked occasionally as a commercial fisherman in the salmon fisheries at Bristol Bay, thanks to a fishing license passed down through his family. An avid sportsman, Todd is a four-time winner of the Iron Dog race — an annual 2000-mile snowmobile race from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks. Todd Palin became nationally known in 2008 when his wife was nominated for vice-president of the United States, joining John McCain on the Republican ticket. That same year he was mentioned prominently in the so-called “Troopergate” investigation authorized by the Alaska state legislature, which found that Todd Palin had pressured state employees to fire Mike Wooten, an Alaska state trooper who was divorced from Sarah Palin’s sister. A separate investigation, by a state personnel board under Palin’s authority, later found the Palins innocent of any wrongdoing. After Sarah Palin quit her job as Alaskan governor in 2009, Todd joined her on the tour circuit as protective husband more than outspoken political commentator.

He co-starred with Sarah in the television reality show Sarah Palin’s Alaska in 2010. Extra credit Todd Palin’s formal title in the state of Alaska was First Gentleman… His mother maternal grandmother is a native Alaskan from the Yup’ik tribe… Todd and Sarah Palin have five children: son Track (b. 1989), daughters Bristol (b. 1990), Willow (b. 1994), and Piper (b. 2000), and son Trig (b. 2008). Trig, who has Down Syndrome, was born while Sarah Palin was governor… Todd Palin graduated from Wasilla High and does not have a college degree… He was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in 1984… Palin won the Iron Dog race in 1995, 2000, 2002 and 2007.

McCain Picks Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as Running Mate McCain Picks Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as Running Mate By WEAU 13 Staff | Posted: Fri 9:43 AM, Aug 29, 2008 | Updated: Sat 3:26 PM, Aug 30, 2008 Two senior campaign officials confirm that John McCain has chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Palin, who's 44, is a self-styled "hockey mom" and political reformer. In an announcement, the campaign says that Palin, who has been governor less than two years, "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of." The campaign goes on to say: "Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today." Palin is a first-term governor credited with reforms of her out-of-the-way state. Earlier, an associate of Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said Pawlenty had been informed he's not McCain's pick. Associates close to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney were saying the same thing. What do you think about McCain's choice? Comment below.

Sarah Palin's biography, from her campaign Web site: Sarah's parents arrived in Alaska in 1964 to teach school in Skagway. After moving to the Valley and graduating from Wasilla High, Sarah earned her Journalism degree from the University of Idaho. She worked in media and the utility industry before beginning her public service 14 years ago. Sarah was elected to two terms on the Wasilla City Council, and then two terms as the Mayor / Manager of Alaska's fastest growing community. During her tenure as Mayor she reduced property tax levels while increasing services and made Wasilla a business friendly environment drawing in new industry. The responsibility of managing dozens of employees including a growing police department and public works department, and overseeing the multimillion dollar capital and operating budgets provided her with hands-on, 21st Century relevant administrative experience. Sarah's demonstrated leadership was also recognized when she was elected by her mayoral peers as President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. In this role, she worked with local, state and federal officials to promote solutions to the needs of Alaska's communities. Sarah served as Chairman of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's most valuable non-renewable resources: oil and gas.

She also served on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Sarah was named one of Alaska's "Top 40 Under 40", Alaska's Public Works "Person of the Year", and was recently inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society at Alaska Pacific University. Married to the three-time champion of the world's longest snowmachine race (the Iron Dog), Sarah's husband is also a lifelong Alaskan and is a production operator on the North Slope. Todd and Sarah commercial fish together in Bristol Bay, being joined at their sites with their kids: Track, Bristol, Willow, and Piper. The state's Alaska Native heritage plays an important role in the life of this family. Sarah is currently an elected board member of Valley Hospital, has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the State, and stays active as a marathon runner, sports team mom, hockey manager and school volunteer. Sarah's a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska's great outdoors has to offer. Political Party : R Profile of Sarah Palin Profile of Sarah Palin Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin almost became Vice President of the United States. This video from About.com will gve you a look at the career of Sarah Palin.

Show transcript Hide transcript Transcript: Profile of Sarah Palin Hi there! I'm Jim Flink for About.com, and we're profiling American politician and former Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin. When John McCain chose her as his Republican Vice-Presidential running mate in 2008, she became the first Republican female and the second woman to run for Vice President on a major U.S. party ticket. Early Life In Alaska Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1964. Her family moved to Skagway, Alaska, three months later. In 1984, Palin was the runner-up in a "Miss Alaska" beauty contest, which helped her pay for college. In 1987, Palin graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Idaho. She was also a sports reporter for a small Anchorage TV station. 1992: Palin Starts in Politics In 1992, Palin dove into politics. She scored a seat on the Wasilla City Council by opposing tax hikes, and was elected mayor of Wasilla four years later. As mayor, Palin kept her promises by reducing her own salary and cutting property taxes.

In 2003, she served as an ethics advisor for the state's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Palin resigned a year later over the board's "lack of ethics." Alaska Governor In 2006, Palin made history by becoming Alaska's youngest and first female governor. As a conservative governor, she was an advocate for pro-life policies, disapproved of embryonic stem cell research, and backed up Alaska's decision to amend its constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Palin also questioned the validity that global warming is man-made. As the Los Angeles Times pointed out, Palin reversed her stance on climate change less than a year later. As she participated in more interviews, the media—and the public—grew more doubtful about Palin's credentials. After her performance in an interview with Katie Couric, her poll numbers steeply declined. Palin Resigns as Governor After losing the 2008 presidential election, Palin returned to Alaska and finished her term as governor. In 2009, Palin resigned as governor, citing ethics complaints and financially draining lawsuits, among other reasons. After leaving office, Palin published her autobiography, Going Rogue: An American Life. Her book sold more than two million copies.

Palin the Celebrity In the same year, Palin became a political commentator for the Fox News Channel and started her own show, Sarah Palin's Alaska, on the TLC network. The reality show drew 5 million viewers, a record number for the network, and chronicled Palin's travels through the Alaskan wilderness. Although the show was popular, TLC announced it wouldn't renew Palin's contract for a second season. Personal Life In 1988, Palin married her high school sweetheart, Todd Palin, a commercial fisherman and former BP employee. The two have five children, sons Track and Trig, and daughters Bristol, Willow and Piper. And that's your look at former Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Thanks for watching! About videos are made available on an "as is" basis, subject to the Terms of Use . 8-30-08 The Sarah Palin Bio and impact Home >> Article Index » Articles » » 8-30-08 The Sarah Palin Bio and impact 8-30-08 The Sarah Palin Bio and impact Sarah Louise Heath Palin may be what our nation needs in Washington.

She is a real outsider, has never been in the Senate, did not go to an Ivy League College, and has an impressive record of experience in executive positions. She has fought corruptionï¿½ï¿½ AVOC The Sarah Palin Bio and impact . By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc . I have hoped Mitt Romney would be the GOP Vice Pres pick. To me, he appears Presidential and has a commanding knowledge of the economy. When I first heard that it would not be Romney or Pawlenty, I thought that McCain was being a maverick again. AVOC readers know that John McCain was not my favorite candidate for President. I have held considerable dislike of him because he has been so unpredictable. However, I am voting for him, considering the alternative. . As Friday morning progressed, the leaks were pointing to the Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, being the GOP Veep candidate. As I learned more about her, I became more impressed. After the news conference and her speech, I became excited about her selection. Most of my friends and media favorites seem to like her as they learn about and listen to her. . Sarah Louise Heath Palin may be what our nation needs in Washington.

She is a real outsider, has never been in the U S Senate, did not go to an Ivy League College, and has an impressive record of experience in executive positions. She has fought corruption. She has a lot of real life experience similar to most Americans. On top of all that, she is a family person, smart and pretty. She is a quick study and can learn as Vice President. If she is propelled into the Presidency, I think she can be more trustworthy and capable than the Democrat Nominee for President or Vice-President. . The more I read about her the more I like her, the pundits notwithstanding. More of us can now support McCain with more enthusiasm. . Children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper & Trig . Occupation: Former Mayor; Former Chairman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission . Length of Residency in Alaska: 42 yrs . Alaskan communities: Skagway 1964-1970; Eagle River 1970-1972; Wasilla 1972-present . Education: Wasilla High graduate, 1982; University of Idaho graduate, B.S. Communications - Journalism, 1987 .

Political and Government Positions: Wasilla City Council; Wasilla City Mayor; President, Alaska Conference of Mayors; Alaska Municipal League Board; Chairman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission . Business and Professional Positions : Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society, APU ; Valley Hospital Association Board; former American Management Association; Alaska Outdoor Council; Alaska Miner's Association; Alaska Resource Development Council; Youth Court Steering Committee; Service Organizations: Lifetime NRA Member; Iditarod PTA; former Salvation Army Board; Various Chambers of Commerce; Valley Youth Sports Coach, Hockey Team Manager; Honorary Member, Rotary . Special Interests: Hunting; Fishing; Snow machining; Running; Alaskan History; Biographical Histories of U.S. Founders . Other: American Public Works Association, Alaska Chapter “Person of the Year” Award; State Chamber “Top 40 Under 40” Award . Sarah's parents arrived in Alaska in 1964 to teach school in Skagway. . After moving to the Valley and graduating from Wasilla High, Sarah earned her Journalism degree from the University of Idaho. She worked in media and the utility industry before beginning her public service 14 years ago. .

Sarah was elected to two terms on the Wasilla City Council, and then two terms as the Mayor / Manager of Alaska's fastest growing community. During her tenure as Mayor she reduced property tax levels while increasing services and made Wasilla a business friendly environment drawing in new industry. The responsibility of managing dozens of employees including a growing police department and public works department, and overseeing the multimillion dollar capital and operating budgets provided her with hands-on, 21st Century relevant administrative experience. Sarah's demonstrated leadership was also recognized when she was elected by her mayoral peers as President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. In this role, she worked with local, state and federal officials to promote solutions to the needs of Alaska's communities. . Sarah served as Chairman of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's most valuable non-renewable resources: oil and gas. She also served on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Sarah was named one of Alaska's "Top 40 Under 40", Alaska's Public Works "Person of the Year", and was recently inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society at Alaska Pacific University. .

Married to the three-time champion of the world's longest snowmachine race (the Iron Dog), Sarah's husband is also a lifelong Alaskan and is a production operator on the North Slope. Todd and Sarah commercial fish together in Bristol Bay, being joined at their sites with their kids: Track, Bristol, Willow, and Piper. The state's Alaska Native heritage plays an important role in the life of this family. . Sarah is currently an elected board member of Valley Hospital, has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the State, and stays active as a marathon runner, sports team mom, hockey manager and school volunteer. . Sarah's a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska's great outdoors has to offer. . On September 11, 2007, Palin's then-eighteen-year-old son Track, the eldest of her five children, joined the U S Army.He now serves in an infantry brigade. She also has three daughters: Bristol, Willow and Piper and a son named Trig, born in April 2008.

More on Sarah Palin Sarah Palin - Hollywood Life Date of Birth: February 11, 1964 Height: 5'5" Hometown: Sandpoint, Idaho, United States In a Relationship With: Todd Palin Best Quotes: “There were times (during my early campaigns) when I thought, 'You know what I could really use? A wife.'” “Buck up or stay in the truck.” “Only dead fish go with the flow.” Bio: Sarah Palin (born February 11, 1964 in Sandpoint, Idaho) is an American politician. Sarah was the governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009. She came into the public eye though as the Republican nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election alongside John McCain. She was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party, and the first woman to ever be nominated for Vice President.

After John McCain lost the election to Barack Obama in 2008, and Sarah stepped down as Alaska’s governor in 2009, she has maintained her public image by providing political commentary on FOX News, having a reality show called Sarah Palin’s Alaska on TLC, and writing a book titled Going Rogue, which sold over 2 million copies. Best Known For: Sarah Palin is best known for being the Republican nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election. Personal Life: Sarah Palin was born in Idaho, but when she was just a few months old her family moved to Skagway, Alaska. Sarah attended college at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Pacific University, and North Idaho College. Sarah married her high school sweetheart, Todd Palin in 1988. They have five children together — Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig. Her youngest song Trig was prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome. BBC NEWS | Americas | Sarah Palin: 10 things we've learnt Printable version Sarah Palin: 10 things we've learnt It has been a week since Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was catapulted from relative obscurity to centre stage as US Republican John McCain's choice for running mate.

Here are 10 things we now know about her. Images of Sarah Palin, past and present In pictures 1. Her five children are named Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper and, last but not least, Trig Paxson Van Palin. According to the Washington Post newspaper, Track was named after the course of the sockeye salmon the family fishes off the town of Dillingham, while her eldest daughter's name comes from Bristol Bay, an area known for its salmon fisheries. The name Willow relates to the state bird, the willow ptarmigan, and a nearby town, the paper says, while daughter Piper shares her name with the family's small plane. Trig is the Norse word for "brave victory", the Post adds. 2. Her rimless glasses are now a style phenomenon. The titanium Kawasaki 704 frames - designed in Japan, where they sell for $300 - are apparently flying off the shelves. Her upswept hair-do is also reportedly spawning imitators.

LA Times fashion writer Booth Moore writes: "The untidiness of her updo has a can-do spirit that says, 'I have more important things to do than worry about my hair, so I just twirled it into this clip so I could get to the real business of governing and shooting caribou and having babies and taking them to hockey practice.'" 3. John McCain picked someone who not only appeals to "Wal-Mart Moms" but is one herself, shopping for the family in a local branch. Not only that, writes New York Times columnist William Kristol, but "he picked someone who, in 1999 as Wasilla mayor, presided over a wedding of two Wal-Mart associates at the local Wal-Mart". Sarah Palin and John McCain are cast as 'mavericks' in a TV ad by his campaign 4. Mrs Palin enjoys moose-hunting and salmon-fishing - and has said her favourite dish is moose stew. Former Republican senator and one-time presidential hopeful Fred Thompson described her as "the only nominee in the history of either party who knows how to properly field-dress a moose".

Cindy McCain, in her speech to the party's national convention, said her husband John had "picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother-of-five for vice-president". 5. A month before her fifth child, Trig, was due, Mrs Palin's waters broke while she was in Texas to address a conference. She delivered her speech nonetheless and embarked on the long flight back to Alaska - changing planes in Seattle - before travelling an hour by road to hospital to give birth. She says she was not in "active labour" and her doctor said it was fine. Alaska Airlines allows women to travel in the late stages of pregnancy. Husband Todd - a commercial fisherman - is quoted by the Anchorage Daily News as saying: "You can't have a fish picker from Texas." Three days later, Mrs Palin was back at work. 6. As governor of Alaska, Mrs Palin ditched plans for a "bridge to nowhere" - a federally-funded project to link a handful of Alaskans to an airport at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars.

In her speech to the Republican National Convention, she said she had told the US Congress "thanks, but no thanks". But US media say she appeared to support the project while running for governor in 2006, though she said the proposed design was too "grandiose". And when she announced the cancellation of the bridge a year ago - after it gained notoriety as an example of wasteful spending - she hardly seemed to be turning down federal funds out of thrift. She explained the decision by saying, "It's clear that Congress has little interest in spending any more money on a bridge between Ketchikan and Gravina Island." The federal funding was diverted to other projects in Alaska. Mrs Palin enjoys hunting, shooting and fishing for salmon 7. In a line that has gone down well at the Republican National Convention and on the campaign trail, she boasts of putting the previous governor's "luxury jet" on eBay as a measure to cut wasteful spending. That is true. But what she has not always explained to her audience is that the plane failed to sell on the internet auction site and so aides had to broker a deal with a buyer. 8.

She was baptised a Catholic as an infant but attended a Pentecostal church in Wasilla - her hometown since her parents moved to Alaska from Idaho when she was three months old - for many years. She now attends Wasilla Bible Church, a non-denominational, evangelical church. The Associated Press reports that the church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. 9. As hunters sometimes do, Mrs Palin has incurred the wrath of wildlife-lovers. It's not just that she shoots moose and caribou, she has also backed legislation to encourage the aerial hunting of wolves, as a "predator control" measure. Plus, she has opposed the US government's listing of a variety of animals as endangered, including the polar bear and the beluga whale. Unlike Mr McCain and to the horror of many environmentalists, she actively supports drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 10. She is a self-described "average hockey mom"; a biography published a few months ago was entitled Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment on Its Ear. The hockey mom branding could prove useful come November in the swing states of Michigan and Minnesota, where ice hockey is a big game.

Her best-known joke so far? "What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick." Bristol Palin's wedding is called off - CNN.com Bristol Palin's wedding is called off By Laura Ly, CNN Updated 9:06 AM ET, Tue May 19, 2015 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: The Palin family through the years In little more than a decade, Sarah Palin rose from city councilwoman to Alaska's youngest governor and the first female vice presidential nominee in GOP history. Click through to see headlines made by Palin and her family since they entered the national spotlight. Hide Caption 1 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Dakota Meyer announced his engagement to Bristol Palin, Palin's oldest daughter, with a photograph on Instagram . The couple met when the war hero visited Alaska to film "Amazing America," Sarah Palin's show on Sportsman Channel, Bristol Palin said on her blog . "He's wonderful with Tripp and I'm so proud to be marrying him," she said.

Hide Caption 2 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years PETA criticized Sarah Palin in January after she posted this photo of her 6-year-old son, Trig, stepping on a family dog to reach the kitchen sink. "Dear PETA," Palin responded via Facebook. "Chill. At least Trig didn't eat the dog." Hide Caption 3 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin takes a jab at President Barack Obama in September, mocking his "coffee cup salute" moment. Obama drew criticism after the White House posted a video to Instagram featuring him walking off Marine One offering a less-than-formal salute with a coffee cup in hand. Hide Caption 4 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin shocked both liberal and conservative commentators at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in April when she said, "Well, if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists." Hide Caption 5 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin fires up a rally of veterans, their families and supporters at the World War II Memorial in Washington during the partial government shutdown in October 2013.

Hide Caption 6 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Wearing a shirt that reads "Women hunt," Palin blasts Obama and gun control advocates for "exploiting" recent mass shootings as she speaks to the National Rifle Association convention in Houston in May 2013. Hide Caption 7 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin drinks a "Big Gulp" soda during the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2013. She was mocking New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's push against large, sugary drinks. Hide Caption 8 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years In the middle of the Republican presidential primaries in February 2012, Palin told the Conservative Political Action Conference that the party needs a candidate who "can instinctively turn right" -- a dig at eventual GOP nominee Mitt Romney. Hide Caption 9 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin speaks during the Tea Party of America's "Restoring America" event in Iowa in September 2011. Supporters had hoped that she would use the event to announce that she was running for president.

Hide Caption 10 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin was mobbed in August 2011 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, a familiar campaign stop for presidential hopefuls. Hide Caption 11 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin and Donald Trump walk toward a limo after leaving a dinner meeting in May 2011. It came during the Palin bus tour that fueled speculation she would run for president the next year. She didn't. Hide Caption 12 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin signs copies of her second book, "American by Heart," in Andover, Kansas, in November 2010. Hide Caption 13 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years The title of Palin's 2009 bestseller "Going Rogue" is a play off a remark a John McCain campaign staffer made to CNN about her straying from the McCain playbook. Hide Caption 14 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin and her husband, Todd, join Republican presidential candidate Sen.

John McCain and his wife, Cindy, as McCain concedes the presidential race to Obama in November 2008. Hide Caption 15 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin and her husband leave City Hall after she voted in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, in November 2008. The Palins then flew to Arizona to join McCain. Hide Caption 16 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years McCain stands with his newly announced running mate in August 2008. McCain made the Palin announcement the day after Obama accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. Hide Caption 17 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin's family appears on stage after her speech to the Republican National Convention in September 2008. From left to right are her son Track; daughter Bristol; Bristol's then-fiancee, Levi Johnston; daughter Willow; daughter Piper; husband Todd; and son Trig. Hide Caption 18 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin signs her oath of office document as Lt. Gov.

Sean Parnell, left, and Superior Court Judge Niesje Steinkruger look on after her swearing-in ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, in December 2006. Hide Caption 19 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin holds her daughter Piper as she watches results on election night in November 2006. The former mayor of Wasilla became Alaska's first female governor. Hide Caption 20 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin stands beside then-Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Sean Parnell in September 2006 as they talk about their plan for a natural gas pipeline during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Parnell became governor when Palin stepped down in 2009. Hide Caption 21 of 22 Photos: The Palin family through the years Palin stands in the rain in Anchorage in August 2006 as she campaigns for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Palin defeated incumbent Frank Murkowski and former state legislator John Binkley.

Hide Caption Sarah Palin's Eldest Son, Track, Marries High School Sweetheart Sarah Palin's Eldest Son, Track, Marries High School Sweetheart Pin it Share Sarah Palin holds her son Trig Palin as Track Palin, Bristol Palin and Willow Palin look on during day three of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Xcel Energy Center on September 3, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota -- Getty Images More Forget Governor and former Vice Presidential candidate - Sarah Palin has a brand new title: mother-in-law. The politician's eldest son, Track, recently tied the knot with Britta Hanson, his high school sweetheart, according to People. PLAY IT NOW: Bristol Palin Finishes In Third Place On ‘Dancing’ (November 23, 2010) Track, 22, and Britta, 21, wed in a small ceremony in Hatcher Pass, Alaska. Click here to see a photo of the happy couple! "Our families couldn't be happier!" the Hansons and Palins said in a joint statement to the magazine. "These are two hard working, humble, active, studious young adults who grew up together.

We're tickled that after two decades of friendship we proudly witnessed their marriage, knowing their new life together will be blessed." VIEW THE PHOTOS: Behind The Scenes Of ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ The newlyweds reportedly began dating in high school and continued their relationship when Track was stationed overseas as an active member of the U.S. Army in 2008. Track - currently an Army Reservist - reportedly plans to study at the University of Alaska later this year. His new bride, Britta, is a nursing student at the same school. While the couple's recent ceremony was an intimate affair, Track and Britta are planning a grander celebration this winter at Alaska's Alyeska Ski Resort with "extended family and friends from the Lower 48 [who] can travel north for a long ski weekend," the joint statement to People noted. VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebrity Wedding Photos! It's the first marriage for any of Sarah and Todd Palin's five children. Daughter Bristol was previously engaged to Levi Johnston, with whom she has a 2-year-old son, Tripp. However, the two called off the engagement just weeks after announcing they were engaged in 2010.

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Reblog Sarah Palin on Families & Children Sarah Palin on Families & Children Republican Governor (AK); 2008 nominee for Vice President On Down baby: God won't give me something I can't handle I never planned on being the mother of a son with special needs. I thought, "God will never give me something I can't handle." And when I found out that my baby would be born with Down syndrome, I thought immediately, "Hey God, remember you promised you wouldn't give me something I couldn't handle? Well, I don't think I can handle this." This wasn't part of my life's plan, and I was scared. I didn't know if my heart was ready. I didn't know if I was patient & nurturing enough. But when Trig was born I understood that God DID know what he was doing! What at first seemed like an overwhelming challenge has turned into our greatest blessing. All the time, it seems that God was whispering in my ear and saying, "Are you going to trust me?

Are you going to walk the walk or just talk the talk?" But when they laid Trig in my arms & he just kind of melted into my chest, he seemed to say to me, "See, Mom, God knows what he's doing. He gave me to you, and you to me, and this is going to be a wonderful journey." Source: America by Heart, by Sarah Palin, p.153-154 , Nov 23, 2010 Mistake to assume teen daughter was a "good girl" When my 17-year-old daughter dropped the bomb on Todd and me with her announcements that her adolescence had been prematurely halted and, in most unfortunate circumstances, she was going to have a baby, our little world stopped spinning momentarily. Bristol was a "good girl," and this wasn't supposed to happen. Preoccupied with the enormous job of being governor of the nation's largest state, I assumed that Bristol was making only wise decisions while staying with my sister in Anchorage. I kick myself to this day for my selfish assumption. I made a mistake. I helped deliver [my grandson] Tripp.

I wouldn't trade that experience for anything, but at the same time I knew it all should have been happening ten years from then. A contradiction? Perhaps. But Tripp is a dream; he's the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Source: America by Heart, by Sarah Palin, p. 95-96 , Nov 23, 2010 Founding Fathers took strong families for granted It sounds strange to us today, given how preoccupied we can be with the problems the family faces, that the men who laid the foundation of our republic said so little about the institution of the family. The founders took it for granted that strong families instilled in children the habits and disciplines necessary for those children to govern themselves in adulthood. What the founders focused their energy on, then, wasn't a government that sought to control or shape families, but a government that could capitalize on the virtues of trust and self-restraint that families create--a government that could respect and honor good citizens by allowing them to liver and prosper in freedom.

The Constitution's relationship to the family, then, was meant to be reciprocal: to depend upon the virtues of family life to make its system of government work, while protecting the freedom of families to create self-governing citizens. Source: America by Heart, by Sarah Palin, p.111-112 , Nov 23, 2010 Happy family of origin means all is in order in her life Palin does not have a tortured tale; she is not Obama with his fatherless search for belonging. Palin is just what she appears to be--centered, whole, and happy. This is unquestionably a result of her family's influence on her. She is unique among those who populate our public life because she is not angry, raging, bombastic, or rude. Instead, she is about her ideas and her vision because all else is in order in her life. What she may lack is introspection, the gift for soul searching that the lonely, the bruised, and the wronged naturally have. It may cause her answers to come too easily, her principles to be too unexamined. It can make her come off as a lightweight.

She is not, of course, but this is the downside of the healthy, happy childhood she enjoyed, and she should know it and seek to dig a deeper well. Source: The Faith of Sarah Palin, by Stephen Mansfield, p. 71-72 , Sep 21, 2010 Bumper sticker: My kid has more chromosomes than your kid [After my son's birth with Down's Syndrome,] the number of special needs kids and adults who began showing up at campaign events was spectacular. The number of wheelchairs multiplied, as did the number of kids and adults with various challenges. I remember making eye contact with special needs families and caretakers. This connection was a kind of mutual acknowledgement that said, "Yes! Their lives are precious! They're worthy! And now we're going to let America know that there's no need to be afraid or hesitant. Instead, let's work together to make this world a more welcoming place for everyone with special needs." Down Syndrome comes in a range of severities. Some people with Downs can live self-sufficient lives. Others may be totally dependent.

It was after meeting all these amazing people that Todd and I proudly displayed the bumper stickers a very cool group from Arizona sent us, which read "My kid has more chromosomes than your kid!" Source: Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin, p.250-251 , Nov 17, 2009 Daughter & teen mom Bristol helping prevent teen pregnancy Daughter and teen mom Bristol was criticized from all sides as a hypocrite because she took up the cause of helping prevent teen pregnancy. Critics couldn't understand how she could love her precious son, Tripp, and still wish that he had been born ten years later. She wanted more teens to know that though they had choices to make about contraception, the only surefire way of preventing pregnancy is not to have sex. This pragmatic position was attacked by both the right and the left--the left because abstinence seems to be a dirty word and the right because even mentioning the word "contraception" "send a mixed message." Bristol wasn't trying to draft a national sex-ed policy. She just wanted to help her peers. She simply told teens what she has told her sisters: "Don't make the same mistake I did.

Wait." She graduated from high school on time, while raising her son & working two part-time jobs, and then immediately started college. You don't read about any of this positive progress in the tabloids Source: Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin, p.371-372 , Nov 17, 2009 Caring for special needs kids is part of culture of life One of the great privileges given to me last year was the chance to be a witness for the truth that every child has value; to say to special needs children that they are beautiful and loved. And needed. We learn more from them than they from us. Across America, a great change is coming in public policy affecting these children, and Alaska can lead the way. This is a part of the culture of life where every child is cherished and protected. Source: Alaska 2009 State of the State Address , Jan 22, 2009 V.P. role would include helping special-needs children Q: Governor, have you spoken with Senator McCain about your specific role in the McCain administration? A: Sure have. I�m very excited about the role that I will play as his partner.

And I will focus on energy independence and reform overall of Washington and tax cuts for Americans and reigning in spending. Q: These are specific roles that you already talked about? A: Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. Q: That you will take on as vice president? A: Right. So I�d like to talk about each one of them. And I wish we had hours to talk about this also. Q: I have nothing to do. A: OK, good. Because another thing that we�ll talk about also is the role that I will play that is very near and dear to my heart. And that�s helping families with special-needs children and being able to strengthen our National Institute of Health also and find cures for presently incurable diseases. Source: 2008 Fox News interview on �Hannity & Colmes� , Sep 17, 2008 Special-needs children will have her as a friend & advocate Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. In April, my husband & I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig [who has Down�s Syndrome]. Children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the familie of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons & daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend & advocate in the White House. Source: Speech at 2008 Republican National Convention , Sep 3, 2008 17-year-old unmarried daughter is 5 months pregnant The 17-year-old unmarried daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, Palin said on Monday in an announcement intended to knock down rumors by liberal bloggers that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child. Bristol Palin, one of Gov. Palin�s five children with her husband Todd, is about five months pregnant and is going to keep the child and marry the father, the Palins said in a statement. Bristol Palin made the decision on her own to keep the baby, McCain aides said. �We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us,� the Palins� statement said.

�Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support,� the Palins said. The Palins asked the news media to respect the young couple�s privacy. Source: CNN, �Sarah Palin�, by Steve Holland , Sep 1, 2008 Praised by pro-life groups for keeping Down syndrome baby The couple have five children--Track, 19; Bristol, 17; Willow, 14; Piper, 7; & Trig, 4 months. Track joined the Army last year. Trig, who was born in April, has Down syndrome. Ms. Palin and her husband knew during her pregnancy that there were complications, though the boy�s condition was not revealed publicly until after he was born. Anti-abortion groups have praised Ms. Palin: �It speaks volumes about her personally and about how she walked her talk,� said the president of a [pro-life] group Source: New York Times, pp.

A1 & A10, �An Outsider Who Charms� , Aug 29, 2008 Recognize the vital role of family child care homes WHEREAS, family child care provides a vital service for Alaska families, neighborhoods, and communities. By caring for the youngest Alaskans in home-based environments, family child care providers ensure that children are able to grow and learn where they are also happy, safe, secure, and stimulated. WHEREAS, family child care providers understand the importance of family & home; ensure long-term stability; and give parents convenient support close to home, among other benefits. WHEREAS, family child care is thus able to nurture children across a broad spectrum of development. With help from neighborhoods and communities, they can uniquely cater to, support, and include children of all levels of ability, need, activity, and curiosity. Family Child Care Week in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the vital role family child care homes play in the lives of our children.

Source: Alaska Governor�s Office: Proclamation, �Child Care� , Mar 28, 2008 Opposes explicit sex-education programs Q: Will you support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education instead of for explicit sex-education programs, school-based clinics, and the distribution of contraceptives in schools? A: Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support. Source: Eagle Forum 2006 Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire , Jul 31, 2006 Click here for definitions & background information on Families & Children. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Sarah Palin. Click here for AmericansElect.org quiz by Sarah Palin. Click here for MyOcracy.org quiz by Sarah Palin.

Question: Which former American state governor has children called Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig
Answer: Sarah Palin